Tulips bolster squad

Spalding United manager Pat Rayment has bolstered his squad with the signing of Boston Town wideman Matt Kennedy.

Kennedy arrives to provide competition for Mitch Griffiths and Jamie Thurlbourne and goes straight into the squad for Saturday’s FA Trophy first qualifying round trip to Evo-Stik League First Division South rivals Leek Town.

Rayment said: “With Ash Burbeary leaving us recently I wanted to bring someone in and Matt gives us plenty of options as he can play on either flank.

“He gives us versatility as he can also play in other positions but primarily he is here to compete with Mitch and Jamie.

“It’s a healthy situation for us to have three players of that quality vying for a place and I am pleased to bring Matt to the club.”

Rayment is able to send a strong squad to Leek with in-form striker Tom Waumsley able to train this week following the heavy cold that saw him left on the bench for Saturday’s 1-1 draw at Chasetown.

Jordan Nuttell is also back in contention following a hamstring injury while Luke Thurlbourne has returned to training.

Saturday’s game will come too soon for Thurlbourne, though, as he is unlikely to play for at least two weeks following an ankle injury.

Leek have lost just once at home this season but Spalding will go there looking for a place in the next round.

Rayment added: “Leek are one of around a dozen teams who can make the play-offs in our league but when we play well we can beat anyone in our division so we are going there looking to win.

“I would love to go far enough in the competition to eventually meet Boston United or Lincoln City.”